Funeral Services for Red Ruffing, Hall of Fame Pitcher for the Yankees

Funeral services were held Tuesday for Baseball Hall of Fame member Charles (Red) Ruffing, who pitched the New York Yankees to seven World Series victories in the 1930s and 1940s.

Ruffing, 80, died Monday at Hillcrest Hospital in suburban Mayfield Heights. He suffered a stroke 13 years ago and had been in poor health.

He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1967 and thereafter attended induction ceremonies in Cooperstown, N.Y, until two years ago, when his failing health prevented him from traveling.

Ruffing, a right-hander, began his major league career at 17 when he was signed by the Boston Red Sox. He was traded to the Yankees in 1930 and stayed with them until 1947.

He had a career earned-run average of 3.80 and was an outstanding hitter, with 36 home runs and a batting average of .300 or better in eight seasons.

With a World Series record of 7-2, he was tied with Allie Reynolds and Bob Gibson for the second-most World Series victories after Yankee pitcher Whitey Ford (10-8).

His regular-season record, 273-225, included four straight years with at least 20 wins--20 in 1936 and ‘37, and 21 in ’38 and ’39.

Ruffing finished his career with the Chicago White Sox in 1947.

He was born May 3, 1905, in Granville, Ill. He had intended to be an outfielder but switched to pitching when he lost four toes on his left foot in a mining accident.

He leaves his wife, Pauline; son, Charles Jr., and three grandchildren.